interconnect cable question (pin/blade) SDA 2B

pglbook

I just picked up a fantastic looking pair of SDA 2Bs today. Got them from bluecomet and they really look mint.
They have the tl upgrade and I can't wait to connect them and listen to them tonight.

But, before doing so, I have question about the interconnect cable and I want to make sure I connect it correctly.

On the back of each speaker is a pin/blade connection, yet the interconnect cable (a GE cable) only has a pin connection. I suppose I just plug the pin to the back of each speaker. But I am curious - why is there also a blade connection on the back of each speaker? What is it for?

Thanks,

Peter

Toolfan66

You obviously have a home made cable. The original comes with a pin and blade. But for your comfort the pin is the only one the sends the signal..

Just make sure you are using a common ground amp and all is good..

bmbguy

Hopefully the experts will correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the blade connection facilitates the use of the 'transformer' IC cable (AI-1) in cases of non-common ground amps.

astar13656

The plug on the interconnect cable matches the sockets on the speaker. If you have a pin and a blade on the speaker you need a cable with a pin and a blade on the plug. sounds like you don't have the correct cable.

pglbook

Thanks. I had thought that it was the original interconnect cable. The cable says GE on it and only has a pin connection although the back of the speaker has a pin/blade connection.

Will I get the desired SDA effect with this cable?

Thanks.

pglbook

Thanks. I had thought that it was the original interconnect cable. The cable says GE on it and only has a pin connection although the back of the speaker has a pin/blade connection.

Will I get the desired SDA effect with this cable?

Thanks.

bmbguy

If your amp is common ground, yes. Only the pin-pin connection is required.

soundfreak1

The "blade part ( from what i have heard is for support and stability the "pin" carries the signal. If you are concerned that the cable might get jusstled or bumped you can get new conectors from polk parts foe about 8. Bucks and make your own. I do believe im correct as to the blade info but if someone would confirm for this gentleman i would appreate it.

Systems

soundfreak1 wrote: »

The "blade part ( from what i have heard is for support and stability the "pin" carries the signal. If you are concerned that the cable might get jusstled or bumped you can get new conectors from polk parts foe about 8. Bucks and make your own. I do believe im correct as to the blade info but if someone would confirm for this gentleman i would appreate it.

That is correct, no need for the blade.
Pin is the signal.

pglbook

Thanks so mucch. Obviously I'd want the SDA sound and, to be honest, being new to these speakers, I do not know if I would be able to tell the differecnce if the interconnect cable were working or not. The pin connection does slide into the pin hole on the back of the receiver. It is not a super tight connection but it does stay connected. I may look into the connectors soundfreak mentioned. Where would I buy them - at the Polk site/store? Thanks so much for your (very prompt) and knowledgeable feedback. I am listening to the SDA 2Bs now and I love them already. I was worried that my Yamaha CR 2020 (105 watts) would not be powerful enough to run these speakers as I have heard they are power-hungry speakers but I am relieved because the Yamaha is doing a great job . I have the volume only set at 1 (out of 10) and these speakers are loud. But very clear. and the sound envelopes you. I am very impressed. I put on Latin music (Mana), jazz (Thelonious Monk) and rock (Dave Matthews) and all sound incredible. I am convinced, and only have been listening for about an hour now. Thanks to everyone. What a great forum/club/site!!!

F1nut

Let me clear this up. When using the original pin/blade cable with a common ground amp or receiver the pin is the only part carrying the SDA signal. The blade does not carry a signal and one could say it was used for support, but it really serves another purpose. When using the AI-1 SDA cable, which is required with non-common ground amps, both the pin and the blade must carry the SDA signal. So, you make one design to serve two purposes.

As far as using a home made SDA cable with a pin only, as long as the amp is common ground, you're golden.

You CANNOT buy a pin/blade cable from Polk, nor can you buy an aftermarket pin/blade terminal. You can buy the blade/blade cable from Polk and last I looked you could buy the blade/blade terminal from Cinch.

Systems

into the pin hole on the back of the receiver.

:eek:

The cable goes from 1 speaker to the other speaker.
NEVER to a receiver.

Speaker to speaker (both speakers have a pin/blade input).
Simply plug it into 1 "pin" on 1 speaker, and 1 "pin" on the other speaker.

bmbguy

pglbook wrote: »

I do not know if I would be able to tell the difference if the interconnect cable were working or not.

If you're sitting in the sweet spot with the right music playing, you'll be able to tell. No doubt. Like when that guitar comes out of the fireplace...

gudnoyez

I have one of pepsters self made cables pin only it does the job and quite well, as good if not better than the oem ones that I have, use yours with confidence, especially when Toolfan ,and pepster tell you so. Congratulations on getting a pair of 2B's it did'nt take long did it, you can now enjoy the benifits of your find, enjoy.

Systems

The pin connection does slide into the pin hole on the back of the receiver. It is not a super tight connection but

I think we may need to elaborate on this statement.:eek:

Systems

both the pin and the blade must carry the SDA signal.

Yep the blade is actually connected to the crossover (-).
If........the amp is not "common ground", you would need both (+ & -) with the AI-1 cable.
You done this before Jesse?:cheesygrin:

Prolly would not matter if it is plugged into the back of his receiver though!

soundfreak1

I stand corrected as far as purchace from polk, i did buy the blade/blade connector not the pin/blade. Some one might be able to help you with that however tje fact that it fits loosley (i believe ) was the purpose of the blade part so it was more stable in the socket but should not effect proformance.

Systems

soundfreak1 wrote: »

I stand corrected as far as purchace from polk, i did buy the blade/blade connector not the pin/blade. Some one might be able to help you with that however tje fact that it fits loosley (i believe ) was the purpose of the blade part so it was more stable in the socket but should not effect proformance.

I make one now with a dead "blade" just for support, but velcro does just as good, and cheaper!

Cinch still makes and sells the pin/blade plug, but it is nickle plated which leaves me out!

I won't do "Nickle" anything when it comes to audio.

Toolfan66

F1nut wrote: »

Let me clear this up. When using the original pin/blade cable with a common ground amp or receiver the pin is the only part carrying the SDA signal. The blade does not carry a signal and one could say it was used for support, but it really serves another purpose. When using the AI-1 SDA cable, which is required with non-common ground amps, both the pin and the blade must carry the SDA signal. So, you make one design to serve two purposes.

As far as using a home made SDA cable with a pin only, as long as the amp is common ground, you're golden.

You CANNOT buy a pin/blade cable from Polk, nor can you buy an aftermarket pin/blade terminal. You can buy thne blade/blade cable from Polk and last I looked you could buy the blade/blade terminal from Cinch.

+ 1000000 This^^^^^

pglbook

Thanks again for all the comments and support. Yes, I am enjoying the SDA 2Bs very much. It is a whole new listening experience. I wish I could call in sick tomorrow from work and spend the day listening to them, haaa (tempting to do...but will work as usual manana especially as I took the day off today to drive and pick up the speakers).

To clarify, when I said the pin is not super tightly connected...I meant that the pin does connect into the pin hole connection and stays put but it does not "click" in. I don't know if the original interconnect cable clicked in super tight but it seems like this cable will do as it does stay in place...I was more worried about something misssing by not having the blade part...but thanks to everyone for clarifying and leeting me know all is ok...wish the Seller had let me know. I left a phone message for him before writing this post but haven't heard back so I went ahead and posted. Thanks again to all. I have the speakers connected and am very happy!!!

Systems

pglbook wrote: »

Thanks again for all the comments and support. Yes, I am enjoying the SDA 2Bs very much. It is a whole new listening experience. I wish I could call in sick tomorrow from work and spend the day listening to them, haaa (tempting to do...but will work as usual manana especially as I took the day off today to drive and pick up the speakers).

To clarify, when I said the pin is not super tightly connected...I meant that the pin does connect into the pin hole connection and stays put but it does not "click" in. I don't know if the original interconnect cable clicked in super tight but it seems like this cable will do as it does stay in place...I was more worried about something misssing by not having the blade part...but thanks to everyone for clarifying and leeting me know all is ok...wish the Seller had let me know. I left a phone message for him before writing this post but haven't heard back so I went ahead and posted. Thanks again to all. I have the speakers connected and am very happy!!!

Cool, as long as it is not connected to your receiver that is cool.
You should be set.

pglbook

Thanks. I just heard back from the Seller (bluecomet). He is a great guy and I knew he'd get back to me (he was working tonight) about the interconnect cable. Here is part of what he said...
"The cable is a homemade cable the previous owner made. It has a thicker wire for better sound. The cable is made to be put in the pin hole. The blade part of the original cable does nothing put help secure it. It is fine to hook up your speakers. You do not need the blade connection. I hope you enjoy the speakers. "

Everything is working great and I am loving these speakers...off to listen to some more music.

Thanks again to all! i greatly appreciate it!

Systems

pglbook wrote: »

Thanks again for all the comments and support. Yes, I am enjoying the SDA 2Bs very much. It is a whole new listening experience. I wish I could call in sick tomorrow from work and spend the day listening to them, haaa (tempting to do...but will work as usual manana especially as I took the day off today to drive and pick up the speakers).

To clarify, when I said the pin is not super tightly connected...I meant that the pin does connect into the pin hole connection and stays put but it does not "click" in. I don't know if the original interconnect cable clicked in super tight but it seems like this cable will do as it does stay in place...I was more worried about something misssing by not having the blade part...but thanks to everyone for clarifying and leeting me know all is ok...wish the Seller had let me know. I left a phone message for him before writing this post but haven't heard back so I went ahead and posted. Thanks again to all. I have the speakers connected and am very happy!!!

Hell, CALL IN!
You have witness' here!

"Yep I saw he was sicker than hell" and could not drive (barely walk to his car).

I actually have some experience with that recently (flu).

Send me the email address I will shoot them an email!:cheesygrin:

Systems

Toolfan66 wrote: »

+ 1000000 This^^^^^

We all have heroes Larry.
Mine just don't happen to be on this forum.
EXCEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPT FOR JESSE!
The ONLY one on this forum as far as I am concerned, and I think I may have talked with all of them.

He is the man I turn too when it comes to Polk.
Bar none!